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Starmer Defends Budget Amid Tax Hikes and Controversy

12/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the Budget, which includes £26 billion in tax rises and no income tax increase.
He acknowledged tax rises are challenging but necessary to avoid cuts to public services.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Chancellor Rachel Reeves misled the public about tax increases and called for Reeves's resignation.
Starmer stressed the Budget's growth focus and promised welfare reforms, despite the Office for Budget Responsibility's slower-growth forecast.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the Budget, which includes £26 billion in tax rises and no income tax increase.
He acknowledged tax rises are challenging but necessary to avoid cuts to public services.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Chancellor Rachel Reeves misled the public about tax increases and called for Reeves's resignation.
Starmer stressed the Budget's growth focus and promised welfare reforms, despite the Office for Budget Responsibility's slower-growth forecast.